Cable protector lid connection systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A cable protector includes a base member, at least one channel, and a lid. The at least one channel extends between opposing first and second ends of the base member and is structured to house at least one cable. The lid is mounted to the base member to cover the at least one channel and is releasably secured to the base member with at least one snap-fit connection.

BACKGROUND

Over the years, various devices and apparatuses have been developed inan effort to protect hoses, cables, wiring, and the like from physicaldamage. In particular, numerous cable protector designs have beendeveloped to protect cabling extending across walkways, roadways, andconstruction sites from physical damage caused by pedestrians, vehiculartraffic, and other such external elements. Cable protectors have alsoproven useful in helping to minimize the risk of pedestrians trippingover such cabling.

Conventional cable protectors typically include a base portion have oneor more channels extending in parallel between opposing ends of thecable protector to receive one or more cables. Side ramps may extendlaterally outward from, or may be removably attachable to, the sides ofthe base portion of the cable protector to allow vehicles and the liketo roll over the top of the cable protector. A lid may be pivotallyattached to the base portion to provide access to the one or morechannels. The lid is typically connected to the base portion along oneside edge of the lid with a rod member (e.g., an axle rod) that extendsthrough portions of the lid and portions of the base portion along alength of the base portion. An opposing or free edge of the lid restsupon an opposite side of the base portion.

In some applications, the free edge of the lid may inadvertently liftaway from the base portion when a vehicle or other object moves over thecable protector. The lifted lid may expose the cabling, which is held inthe channels, to undesirable environmental conditions and possibledamage. The lifted lid may also pose a tripping hazard or be damageditself if caught when partially opened.

Another challenge related to a lid that is connected to the base portionwith a rod is that the cable protector typically must be disconnectedfrom adjacent cable protectors in order for the rod to be removed toreplace the lid. Disassembly of a cable protection system that includesmultiple cable protectors assembled together with cabling extendingthrough the assembly may be difficult depending on the specific set up.

A further challenge related to using a rod to connect the lid to thebase portion of the cable protector is the possibility of the rodbecoming damaged during use. The rod typically comprises fiberglass,rigid polymer or metal materials. The rod may be bent, fractured, orweakened in some way when the cable protector is used (e.g., when aheavy object such as a vehicle moves over the cable protector). Thedamaged rod may cause the lid to sit unevenly on top of the base portionor be released from the base portion, which may expose the cablingretained in the channels and create tripping/catching hazards that mayresult in harm to individuals, equipment, or the cable protector itself.

Opportunities exist for improvements in cable protector lids and relatedlid connection systems and methods.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable protector thatincludes a base member, at least one channel, and a lid. The at leastone channel extends between opposing first and second ends of the basemember and is structured to house at least one cable. The lid is mountedto the base member to cover the at least one channel and is releasablysecured to the base member with at least one snap-fit connection.

The lid may include opposing first and second side edges, wherein thefirst side edge is pivotally connected to the base member with an axlethat extends through a portion of the lid and a portion of the basemember, and the second side edge is connected to the base member withthe at least one snap-fit connection. The lid may include opposing firstand second side edges, wherein the first side edge is connected to thebase member with a first snap-fit connection, and the second side edgeis connected to the base member with a second snap-fit connection. Thelid may include opposing first and second side edges, wherein the firstside edge is pivotally connected to the base member with the at leastone snap-fit connection, and the second side edge rests upon the basemember and is disconnected from the base member.

The at least one snap-fit connection may include at least one protrusionthat releasably fits in at least one recess. The at least one protrusionmay be carried by the lid and the at least one recess may be carried bythe base member. The at least one protrusion and at least one recess maybe arranged coaxially with each other along a side edge of the lid. Theat least one protrusion may include a plurality of protrusions carriedby a plurality of lid hinge members and the at least one recess mayinclude a plurality of recesses carried by a plurality of base hingemembers. The plurality of lid hinge members and the plurality of basehinge members may deflect to permit the plurality of protrusions to moveinto and out of the plurality of recesses. At least some of the basehinge members may include a recess in opposing end surfaces thereof, andat least some of the lid hinge members include a protrusion in opposingend surfaces thereof.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable protectorthat includes a base member, at least one channel, first and second sideramps, a first connector, a first connector recess, and a lid. The basemember includes first and second sides and first and second ends. The atleast one channel extends between the first and second ends of the basemember and is structured to receive at least one cable. The first sideramp extends from the first side of the base member and the second sideramp extends from the second side of the base member. The at least onefirst connector extends from the first end of the cable protector, andthe at least one first connector recess is positioned at the second endof the cable protector. The lid is mounted to the base member and ismovable between a closed position and an open position to control accessto the at least one channel. The lid is secured to the base member witha snap-fit connection.

The snap-fit connection may provide a pivotal connection of the lid tothe base member. The snap-fit connection may be releasable to providedisconnection of the lid from the base member. The lid may be pivotallyconnected to the base member with a hinge member that is separate fromthe snap-fit connection. The lid may include a plurality of protrusionsand the base member may include a plurality of recesses receptive of theplurality of protrusions to provide the snap-fit connection.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method ofassembling a cable protector. The method includes providing a cableprotector having a base member and a lid, wherein the base memberincludes a plurality of channels sized to hold at least one cable. Themethod also includes connecting the lid to the base member with at leastone releasable snap-fit connection, wherein the lid is pivotablerelative to the base member to control access to the plurality ofchannels.

The lid may include a plurality of protrusions and the base member mayinclude a plurality of recesses, and connecting the lid to the basemember includes inserting the plurality of protrusions into theplurality of recesses to provide the at least one releasable snap-fitconnection. The method may include pivotally connecting the lid to thebase member with a removable axle along a first side edge of the lid,and the at least one releasable snap-fit connection is provided along asecond side edge of the lid. The at least one releasable snap-fitconnection may provide a pivotal connection between the lid and the basemember. The at least one releasable snap-fit connection may include atleast a first releasable snap-fit connection along a first side edge ofthe lid and at least a second releasable second snap-fit connectionalong a second side edge of the lid.

Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the general principlesdescribed herein. These and other embodiments, features and advantageswill be more fully understood upon reading the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodimentsand are a part of the specification. Together with the followingdescription, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principlesof the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cable protector systemincluding a plurality of cable protectors in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the cable protector system of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first cable protector of the cableprotector system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a close-up view of a portion of a lid of the cable protectorof FIG. 3.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the cable protector shown in FIG. 4taken along cross-section indicators 3B-3B.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the cable protector of FIG. 3 withthe lid in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cable protector of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cable protector of FIG. 4 takenalong cross-section indicators 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cable protector of FIG. 4 withthe lid being connected to a base member.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the lid of the cable protector of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a base member of the cable protectorof FIG. 5 taken along cross-section indicators 9-9.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second cable protector of the cableprotector system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cable protector of FIG. 10 with alid in a closed position.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the cable protector of FIG.10.

FIG. 13 is another exploded perspective view of the cable protector ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the lid of the cable protector of FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third cable protector of the cableprotector system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cable protector of FIG. 15 with alid in a closed position.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the cable protector of FIG.15.

FIG. 18 is another exploded perspective view of the cable protector ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the lid of the cable protector of FIG. 15.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptionsindicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While theexemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, one of skill in the art will understand that theexemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited tothe particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure coversall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thescope defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As will be described in greater detail below, the present disclosuregenerally relates to cable protectors and cable protector systems. Cableprotector systems may include a plurality of cable protectors and otherfeatures such as ramps, corner pieces, handrails, etc., that areconnected together. Various components of the cable protector system maybe connected together with one or more connectors. The cable protectorsmay include lids that provide access to channels within the cableprotector that hold hoses, cables, wiring, and the like.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable protector lidconnection system and related methods of connecting a lid to a cableprotector. The lid may be connected to a base member of the cableprotector with a pivot connection. At least a portion of the lid may beconnected to the base member with a snap-fit connection, interferencefit, or other releasable, positive connection. The snap-fit connectionmay be a releasable connection that permits disconnection of a portionof the lid from the base member while still providing positiveattachment. The snap-fit connection may be referred to as a releasableconnection or a releasable pivot connection.

The snap-fit connection may provide the sole means of connecting the lidto the base member or other portion of the cable protector. In otherexamples, the snap-fit connection may be a secondary connection feature.For example, one side edge of the lid may be pivotally connected to thebase member using an axle rod that passes through portions of the lidand portions of the base member. An opposing side edge of the lid may bereleasably connected to the base member with a snap-fit connection. Inother examples, both side edges of the lid are releasably connected tothe base member (or other portions of the cable protector such as a sideramp) with a snap-fit connection.

The snap-fit connection may include at least one protrusion arranged tofit within a mating recess, such as a bore or channel. The protrusionand mating recess may be carried by the lid, the base member or otherportion of the cable protector (e.g., a side ramp). In one example, thelid carries a plurality of protrusions and the base member carries aplurality of mating recesses that receive the protrusions. In oneexample, the protrusions have a contoured shape such as, for example, ahemispherical shape. The mating recesses may have any desired shapeincluding, for example, a cylindrical shape with circular cross-sectionor a concave shape. All of the protrusions along one side edge of thelid and all of the recesses on the base member that receive theprotrusions may be aligned in a coaxial arrangement when the lid isassembled with the base member. In at least some arrangements, thesnap-fit connection may provide relative pivoting between the lid andthe base member. In other examples, the snap-fit connection provides areleasable connection between the lid and base member that resistsmovements in all directions of motion (e.g., pivoting or rotation).

The snap-fit connection features of the cable protector may beintegrally formed with respective features of the cable protector thatcarry the snap-fit connection features. For example, the protrusionscarried by the lid may be integrally formed as a single piece with theremaining portions of the lid such as, for example, hinge members thatextend laterally from a side edge of the lid. In other examples, thesnap-fit connection features may be separately formed and mounted to thecable protector member that carries the snap-fit connection features(e.g., the lid or base member) in a separate assembly step.

The snap-fit connection features disclosed herein may provide a positiveattachment of at least one side edge of the lid to the remainingstructure of the cable protector (e.g., the base member). This positiveattachment may help maintain the lid in a closed position when the cableprotector is in use, such as when a vehicle drives over the cableprotector. Maintaining the lid in a closed position may reduce the riskof a person or equipment catching on the lid, which may cause injury forthe person or damage to the equipment or the cable protector. Inembodiments in which the snap-fit connection features provide a pivotalconnection of the lid to the base member that replaces the axle member,the snap-fit connection features may have greater flexibility andresilience during use of the cable protector.

Furthermore, the snap-fit connection features may make it possible tomore easily replace the lid if the lid is damaged or if a different typeof lid is needed for a given application. A lid may be replaced whilethe cable protector is attached to adjacent cable protectors. Asdiscussed above, replacing the lid is typically not possible with othertypes of cable protectors wherein the axle member must be removed inorder to remove the lid.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-19, several different types of cable protectorswith various snap-fit connection arrangements are shown and described.FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cable protector system 10 including first, second,third and fourth cable protectors 100, 200, 300, 400. The cableprotectors 100, 200, 300, 400 are connected together to provide at leastone continuous channel that carries cabling. The cable protectorsinclude lids that provide access to the channels and the cabling that isheld in the channels. The first, second and third cable protectors 100,200, 300 have different arrangements for the lid connection features.The fourth cable protector 400 includes the same lid connection featuresas the third cable protector 300.

Referring to FIGS. 3-9, the cable protector 100 is shown including abase member 102, first and second side ramps 104, 106, a plurality ofconnectors 108, a plurality of connector recesses 110, a lid 112, and ahinge rod 114. The first and second side ramps 104, 106 extend alongside edges of the base member 102. The connectors 108 extend from oneend of the base member 102 and the connector recesses 110 are formed inan opposite end of the base member 102. The connectors 108 and connectorrecesses 110 are used to connect the cable protector 100 to adjacentcable protectors. The lid 112 is pivotally connected to the base member102 along one side edge of the lid 112 with the hinge rod 114.

The base member 102 includes a plurality of channels 120, a set of firstbase hinge members 122 having a rod bore 123 extending therethrough, anda set of second base hinge members 126 that include a plurality ofconnection recesses 128. The second base hinge members 126 are spacedapart a distance L₁ (see FIG. 9). The connection recesses 128 have adiameter D₁. The connection recesses 128 may extend along the entirelength L₁ (see FIG. 9). The first base hinge members 122 may have asimilar spacing L₁. The gaps or spaces between the first base hingemembers 122 and the gap or spacing between the second base hinge members126 may be sized to receive mating hinge members of the lid 112. Thebase member 102 may include grooves 125 extending along the gap or spacebetween the adjacent first base hinge members 122 and between the secondbase hinge members 126 that provide a pivot surface or bearing surfacefor the hinge members of the lid 112.

FIG. 8 shows the lid 112 including top and bottom surfaces 130, 132 (seeFIG. 7), first and second ends 134, 136, first and second side edges138, 140, a set of first lid hinge members 142 having a lid rod bore 143extending therethrough, and a set of second lid hinge members 144 havinga plurality of connection protrusions 148 positioned thereon. The lidrod bore 143 is aligned with the rod bore 123 when the first lid hingemembers 142 are positioned between the first base hinge members 122. Thehinge rod 114 extends through the rod bore 123 and lid rod bore 143 toprovide a hinge connection between the base member 102 and the lid 112.The hinge rod 114 provides a connection between the base member 102 andlid 112 that may be disconnected by removing the hinge rod 114 in alength direction (e.g., parallel to the channels 120). Access to hingerod 114 is typically only possible when the cable protector 100 isdisconnected from adjacent cable protectors that otherwise block accessto the rod bore 123.

The second lid hinge members 144 may be spaced apart a distance L₂. Thefirst lid hinge members 142 may also be spaced apart a distance L₂. Thedistance L₂ is typically less than the spacing L₁ so that the first andsecond lid hinge members 142, 144 may be inserted in the space betweenthe first and second base hinge members 122, 126, respectively.

The connection protrusions 148 may have a diameter D₂ and a height H₂(see FIG. 8). The diameter D₂ may be substantially the same as thediameter D₁, and the height H₂ may be no greater than the depth H₁. Inat least some arrangements, the diameter D₂ is less than the diameter D₁to provide easier insertion of the connection protrusions 148 into theconnection recesses 128.

While the connection protrusions 148 are shown as hemisphericalstructures, the connection protrusions 148 may have different shapes inother embodiments. For example, the connection protrusions 148 may havea cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Other shapes include,for example, pyramid, conical, and cubical shapes. The connectionrecesses may have a shape that mirrors the shape of the connectionprotrusions.

The connection protrusions 148 are shown in FIG. 8 aligned in paralleland coaxial with each other. The connection protrusions 148 are arrangedcoaxial with the connection recesses 128 when the lid 112 is mounted tothe base member 102 as shown in at least FIG. 6. This coaxialarrangement of the connection recesses 128 with the connectionprotrusions 148 may make it possible for the lid 112 to pivot about theconnection recesses 128 and connection protrusions 148 (e.g., if thehinge rod 114 is removed from the cable protector 100).

Positioning the connection protrusions 148 within the connectionrecesses 128 may provide a snap-fit connection between the lid 112 andthe base member 102. A snap-fit connection is a connection in which theconnecting features deform, flex or move in order for the connection tobe made. Typically, the features that deform, flex or move return to aposition that limits disconnection, at least not without application ofa significant force (e.g., a force greater than forces normally appliedto the features during use).

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cable protector 100 showingpotential deflection, deformation, or movement of various features ofthe base member 102 and the lid 112 in order for the connectionprotrusions 148 to fit within the connection recesses 128. FIG. 7 showsthat the connection protrusions 148, material surrounding the connectionrecesses 128, and portions of the second base hinge members 126 andsecond lid hinge members 144 may deform, flex, or move as the connectionprotrusions 148 move into the connection recesses 128. Similar types ofdeflection, deformation, or movement may occur to permit disconnectionof the lid 112 from the base member 102.

When the lid 112 is connected to the base member 102 with the hinge rod114 as shown in FIG. 3, the lid 112 may rotate from the open position ofFIG. 3 into the closed position of FIG. 4 by applying a rotation forceto the lid 112. The rotation may move the connection protrusions 148into the connection recesses 128 to provide a snap-fit connection. Oncethe lid 112 is in the closed position of FIG. 4, the hinge rod 114 maybe removed and the lid 112 rotated into the open position in an oppositedirection with the first side edge 138 being moved out of contact withthe base member 102. The lid 112 may rotate about a hinge arrangementprovided by the interface between connection protrusions 148 andconnection recesses 128. The second lid hinge members 144, the secondbase hinge members 126, and the gaps or spaces therebetween may beconfigured to promote rotation of the lid 112 relative to the basemember 102.

The connection protrusions 148 may be positioned on some or all of thesecond lid hinge members 144. The connection recesses 128 may bepositioned on the second base hinge members 126 only at locations wherea mating connection protrusion 148 is positioned. Any desiredarrangement is possible for the numbers and positions of the connectionrecesses 128, connection protrusions 148, the second base hinge members126 and the second lid hinge members 144.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-14, the second cable protector 200 is shownincluding lid connection features along the first and second side edgesof the lid. The connection features may include snap-fit connectionfeatures on each of the opposing side edges of the lid.

The cable protector 200 includes a base member 202, first and secondside ramps 204, 206, connectors 208, connector recesses 210, and a lid212. The base member 202 may include a plurality of channels 220, a setof first base hinge members 222 having a plurality of connectorsrecesses 223, and a set of second base hinge members 226 having aplurality of connection recesses 228. The base member 202 may includegrooves 225 extending along the gap or space between the adjacent firstbase hinge members 222 and between the second base hinge members 226that provide a pivot surface or bearing surface for the hinge members ofthe lid 212.

FIG. 14 shows the lid 212 including top and bottom surfaces 230, 232(see FIG. 12), first and second ends 234, 236, first and second sideedges 238, 240, a set of first lid hinge members 242 having a pluralityof connection protrusions 243, and a set of second lid hinge members 244having a plurality of connection protrusions 248. The first lid hingemembers 242 may be positioned between the first base hinge members 222.The second lid hinge members 244 may be positioned between the secondbase hinge members 226. The first connection protrusions 243 may fitinto the first connection recesses 223 to provide a snap-fit connectionbetween the first side edge 238 of the lid 212 and the base member 202.The second connection protrusions 248 may fit into the second connectionrecesses 228 to provide a snap-fit connection between the second sideedge 240 of the lid 212 and the base member 202.

The snap-fit connection along the first side edge 238 may provide apivotal connection of the lid 212 to the base member 202. The snap-fitconnection along the second side edge 240 may also provide a pivotalconnection of the lid 212 to the base member 202. These pivotalconnections may provide rotation of the lid 212 between open and closedpositions in either opening direction for the lid 212. The snap-fitconnections along the first and second side edges 238, 240 may be madein any desired sequence. For example, the lid 212 may be arranged asshown in FIG. 13 and both of the first and second snap-fit connectionsmade be made at the same time by dropping the lid vertically intocontact with the base member 202 to connect the first connectionprotrusions 243 with the first connection recesses 222 and the secondconnection protrusions 248 with the second connection recesses 228. Thelid 212 may be removed in a similar way by disconnecting the first andsecond snap-fit connections concurrently. The lid 212 may also beremoved from the base member 202 by disconnecting one of the snap-fitconnections along one side edge of the lid followed by disconnecting theother snap-fit connection along the other side edge of the lid. The lid212 may be disconnected from and connected to the base member 202 byarranging the lid 212 in any desired orientation such as in a generallyvertical orientation as shown in FIG. 12.

Providing snap-fit connections on both of the side edges of the lid 212may facilitate replacement of the lid 212 without having to disconnectthe cable protector 200 from adjacent cable protectors. Further, the lidconnection features of the cable protector 200 provide the option ofopening the lid in either direction, mounting the lid 212 to the basemember 202 with the lid in any of a variety of different orientations,and providing a versatile connection arrangement in which the first andsecond side edges 238, 240 may be connected to either of the first andsecond base hinge members 222, 226.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-19, the cable protectors 300, 400 are shownand described. The cable protectors 300, 400 include a base member 302,first and second side ramps 304, 306, connectors 308, connector recesses310, and a lid 312. The base member 302 includes a plurality of channels320, and a set of first base hinge members 322 comprising a plurality ofconnection recesses 323. The base member 302 may include grooves 325extending along the gap or space between the adjacent first base hingemembers 322 that provide a pivot surface or bearing surface for thehinge members of the lid 312.

FIG. 19 shows the lid 312 including top and bottom surfaces 330, 332(see FIG. 17), first and second ends 334, 336, first and second sideedges 338, 340, and a set of first lid hinge members 342 including aplurality of connector protrusions 343.

The lid 312 is connected to the base member 302 by inserting the firstlid hinge members 342 into the spaces between the first base hingemembers 322 thereby inserting the connection protrusions 343 into theconnection recesses 323. A connection between the lid 312 and the basemember 302 may be a releaseable connection and may be referred to as asnap-fit connection or interference fit connection having propertiessimilar to the connections described above with reference to cableprotectors 100, 200. The connection features of the cable protectors300, 400 may provide a releaseable, positive connection between thefirst side edge 338 and the base member 302.

The second side edge 340 may rest upon a lid seat 329 when the lid 312is in a closed position (see FIG. 16). The second side edge 340 may befree floating relative to the base member 302. The second side edge 340may be unconnected relative to the base member 302.

The snap-fit connection provided by the connection protrusions 343within the connector recesses 323 may be released when the lid 312 is inany rotated position, such as the generally vertical position shown inFIG. 17 or the generally horizontal position shown in FIG. 18. The lid312 may be disconnected from the base member 302 while the cableprotectors 300, 400 are connected to adjacent cable protectors. Thesnap-fit connection of the cable protectors 300, 400 may have the sameor similar advantages as discussed above related to the cable protectors100, 200.

One possible advantage related to using the lid connection featuresdisclosed herein is the ability to hold the lid of a cable protector ina closed position relative to the base member. The lid may be releasablyheld in the closed position using, for example, the snap-fit andinterference fit connection features disclosed herein.

Another potential advantage related to the cable protectors disclosedherein is the ability to remove the lid of the cable protector usingdifferent methods than solely by removing a hinge rod that is used toconnect the lid to the base member. For example, the lid may be removedfrom the cable protector while the cable protector is connected to aplurality of adjacent cable protectors. The lid may be removedvertically. The lid may be opened by rotating one side edge of the lidto disconnect the snap-fit connection on that side edge while anopposing side edge maintains a pivotal connection to the base member. Insome arrangements, either side edge of the lid may be removablyconnected to or disconnected from the base member using a releasableconnection feature such as the snap-fit connection features disclosedherein.

A further potential advantage relates to being able to hold the lid in aclosed position with a positive, releasable connection, thereby reducingthe possibility of the lid being damaged by being caught by users orequipment if the lid is inadvertently partially opened. Without the lidconnection features disclosed herein, the lid may be partially openeddue to significant forces being applied to the cable protector (e.g.,when a vehicle drives over the cable protector) or if the hinge rodsused to secure the lid to the base member become damaged during use. Thevarious lid connection features disclosed herein may provide flexibilityin a connection interface between the lid and the base member, which mayprovide some give or resiliency that helps return the lid to a closedposition or maintain the lid in a closed position during use. The lidconnection features may provide these benefits without the hingefeatures being damaged (e.g., permanently deformed or broken).

In some examples, the hinge features are built into the lid and comprisethe same materials as the lid and base member. The lid and base membertypically comprise a flexible, elastic, resilient material such asrubber or various types of polymer materials. These types of flexible,resilient, elastic materials may have a tendency to resist failure andpermanent deformation as compared to other materials typically used forthe hinge (e.g., a fiberglass or metal rod).

Another advantage of the lid connection features disclosed herein is theability to hold the lid in a closed position without the use of externalfasteners such as brackets, clips, locks, or the like. In at least somearrangements, the connection features of the present disclosure areintegrally formed with the lid, base member, or other feature of thecable protector (e.g., side ramps). The integral formation of the lidconnection features may have advantages as compared to other connectionfeatures that are externally mounted pieces.

While the several examples disclosed herein with reference to thefigures include protrusions and recesses that are aligned coaxially,other types of connection features may be used in differentarrangements. In one example, the protrusions carried by the lid mayface laterally and the recesses in the base member also are orientedlaterally relative to a length dimension of the lid. In this type ofarrangement, the lid may provide a snap-fit or interference fitconnection but not permit the lid to pivot relative to the base memberabout the interface between the protrusion and recess while maintainingpositive connection of the lid to the base member.

The elements of the exemplary cable protector systems described hereinand illustrated with reference to the attached figures, including thelid connection features, may be formed of any material or combination ofmaterials. For example, the cable protectors and side ramps may bemolded of a rigid, high-strength polymer material capable ofwithstanding repeated loadings and stresses. In addition, plasticplating or gripping may be formed on the upper surfaces of one or moreof these elements to improve traction for pedestrians or vehiclestraveling over the cable protector system.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to beexhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible without departing from thespirit and scope of the instant disclosure. The embodiments disclosedherein should be considered in all respects illustrative and notrestrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and theirequivalents in determining the scope of the instant disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in thespecification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least oneof” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” asused in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and havethe same meaning as the word “comprising.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable protector, comprising: a base member; atleast one channel extending between opposing first and second ends ofthe base member and structured to house at least one cable; a lidmounted to the base member to cover the at least one channel, the lidbeing releasably secured to the base member with at least one snap-fitconnection.
 2. The cable protector of claim 1, wherein the lid includesopposing first and second side edges, the first side edge beingpivotally connected to the base member with an axle that extends througha portion of the lid and a portion of the base member, and the secondside edge being connected to the base member with the at least onesnap-fit connection.
 3. The cable protector of claim 1, wherein the lidincludes opposing first and second side edges, the first side edge beingconnected to the base member with a first snap-fit connection, and thesecond side edge being connected to the base member with a secondsnap-fit connection.
 4. The cable protector of claim 1, wherein the lidincludes opposing first and second side edges, the first side edge beingpivotally connected to the base member with the at least one snap-fitconnection, and the second side edge rests upon the base member and isdisconnected from the base member.
 5. The cable protector of claim 1,wherein the at least one snap-fit connection includes at least oneprotrusion that is insertable in at least one recess.
 6. The cableprotector of claim 5, wherein the at least one protrusion is carried bythe lid and the at least one recess is carried by the base member. 7.The cable protector of claim 5, wherein the at least one protrusion andat least one recess are arranged coaxially with each other along a sideedge of the lid.
 8. The cable protector of claim 5, wherein the at leastone protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions carried by aplurality of lid hinge members and the at least one recess includes aplurality of recesses carried by a plurality of base hinge members. 9.The cable protector of claim 8, wherein the plurality of lid hingemembers and the plurality of base hinge members deflect to permit theplurality of protrusions to move into and out of the plurality ofrecesses.
 10. The cable protector of claim 9, wherein at least some ofthe base hinge members include a recess in opposing end surfacesthereof, and at least some of the lid hinge members include a protrusionin opposing end surfaces thereof.
 11. A cable protector, comprising: abase member having first and second sides and first and second ends; atleast one channel extending between the first and second ends of thebase member and structured to receive at least one cable; a first sideramp extending from the first side of the base member; a second sideramp extending from the second side of the base member; at least oneconnector extending from the first end of the cable protector; at leastone connector recess positioned at the second end of the cableprotector; a lid mounted to the base member and movable between a closedposition and an open position to control access to the at least onechannel, the lid being secured to the base member with a snap-fitconnection.
 12. The cable protector of claim 11, wherein the snap-fitconnection provides a pivotal connection of the lid to the base member.13. The cable protector of claim 11, wherein the snap-fit connection isreleasable to provide disconnection of the lid from the base member. 14.The cable protector of claim 11, wherein the lid is pivotally connectedto the base member with a hinge member that is separate from thesnap-fit connection.
 15. The cable protector of claim 11, wherein thelid includes a plurality of protrusions and the base member includes aplurality of recesses receptive of the plurality of protrusions toprovide the snap-fit connection.
 16. A method of assembling a cableprotector, comprising: providing a cable protector having a base memberand a lid, the base member including a plurality of channels sized tohold at least one cable; connecting the lid to the base member with atleast one releasable snap-fit connection, the lid being pivotablerelative to the base member to control access to the plurality ofchannels.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the lid includes aplurality of protrusions and the base member includes a plurality ofrecesses, and connecting the lid to the base member includes insertingthe plurality of protrusions into the plurality of recesses to providethe at least one releasable snap-fit connection.
 18. The method of claim16, further comprising pivotally connecting the lid to the base memberwith a removable axle along a first side edge of the lid, and the atleast one releasable snap-fit connection is provided along a second sideedge of the lid.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least onereleasable snap-fit connection provides a pivotal connection between thelid and the base member.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the atleast one releasable snap-fit connection includes at least a firstreleasable snap-fit connection along a first side edge of the lid and atleast a second releasable second snap-fit connection along a second sideedge of the lid.